Related articles

I did not speak to them. They said Arsenal wanted to sign me, that they were there negotiating [with Real Madrid], but it was Napoli who came and bought me

Gonzalo Higuain

Wenger thought he had secured a £23million deal with Real for Higuain only for Napoli's interest to drive the price up to £32m.

Arsenal withdrew from the deal as Wenger pursued Liverpool's Luis Suarez, allowing the Italian outfit to pounce for Higuain.

The 26-year-old says he is happy in Naples, having been persuaded to make the move by former Chelsea and Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez.

"They persuaded me with their conviction," Higuain added. "I am very grateful to Napoli, to the president, too, for everything he has done for me, and for everything he did to buy me quickly. Knowing how much I was wanted gave me a lot of confidence.

"The manager spoke very well to me too. He is one of the reasons that convinced me to come. He is a sincere person, an honest person. The things he said have to remain between us, but he made it a very easy decision."